Hey everybody. I MIGHT have a bit of an issue here. I checked my automatic transmission fluid in my 2014 Mazda3 2.0L today and came across something that made me a bit uneasy. The color on the dipstick was a light-brown or mustard-brown color. I'm not sure why it's not the typical pink color I see on most cars. This car has 40,800 miles on it currently and 31,000 of those are from me driving. I never drive it hard (as I rarely get it above 3k RPM's) and I'm pretty meticulous when it comes to routine car maintenance. I would like input from fellow forum members about why this might be the color it is. It would be greatly appreciated if you could post some pictures like the ones I have attached below of your own cars along with the mileage you are sitting at if you haven't changed your factory fluid yet. Thanks! Please ignore the level of the fluid on the dipstick as I did NOT warm up the car to the correct temperature and it was sitting all night. I was interested solely in the color so the level is most likely not accurate.
SlayZombi
Hey everybody. I MIGHT have a bit of an issue here. I checked my automatic transmission fluid in my 2014 Mazda3 2.0L today and came across something that made me a bit uneasy. The color on the dipstick was a light-brown or mustard-brown color. I'm not sure why it's not the typical pink color I see on most cars. This car has 40,800 miles on it currently and 31,000 of those are from me driving. I never drive it hard (as I rarely get it above 3k RPM's) and I'm pretty meticulous when it comes to routine car maintenance. I would like input from fellow forum members about why this might be the color it is. It would be greatly appreciated if you could post some pictures like the ones I have attached below of your own cars along with the mileage you are sitting at if you haven't changed your factory fluid yet. Thanks! Please ignore the level of the fluid on the dipstick as I did NOT warm up the car to the correct temperature and it was sitting all night. I was interested solely in the color so the level is most likely not accurate.
Attachments
I have used these guys for years.
Send'um a sample you will know what is going on.
https://www.blackstone-labs.com/people-of-blackstone.php
Send'um a sample you will know what is going on.
https://www.blackstone-labs.com/people-of-blackstone.php
With 40,000 miles and a 120,000 mile warranty would it just be better to go to the dealership? The problem here is that I don't know what the "stock" color of this specific fluid is as I know that transmission fluid color can vary depending on what manufacturer it is.
In the mean time should you take my advise....in my first response?
I would change the fluid pan and filter service . Examine the fluid the comes out for any thing other then ATF.
You can also take filter apart on automatic transmission and see what it filtered since the last filter change.
I would change the fluid pan and filter service . Examine the fluid the comes out for any thing other then ATF.
You can also take filter apart on automatic transmission and see what it filtered since the last filter change.
If its under warranty, take advantage of it. If there is a problem you need to know now, not a in couple weeks. The dealer will be able to tell you fairly quickly if there is a problem or if the fluid is supposed to be that color.
It's likely fine, but it doesn't hurt to have the dealer check it out. That's what a warranty is for after all.
Transmission fluid isn't naturally red...it's dyed red. They do this so it doesn't get confused with engine oil. Over time and use, the dye will come out but that doesn't mean that the oil is done or something else is wrong.
Your dye didn't last long....I'd get it checked regardless, but I'm guessing just fine.
Transmission fluid isn't naturally red...it's dyed red. They do this so it doesn't get confused with engine oil. Over time and use, the dye will come out but that doesn't mean that the oil is done or something else is wrong.
Your dye didn't last long....I'd get it checked regardless, but I'm guessing just fine.
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